What is NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Coagulation factor VIIa is a man-made protein that is similar to a natural protein in the body that helps the blood to clot.
Coagulation factor VIIa is used to treat or prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia A or hemophilia B, or factor VII deficiency.
Coagulation factor VIIa may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries), a history of stroke or heart attack, a severe injury or infection, or if you are allergic to mouse, hamster, or pork proteins.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have a bleeding disorder in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know about your condition.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before using coagulation factor VIIa, tell your doctor if you have:
- coronary artery disease (hardening of the arteries)
- a history of stroke or heart attack
- a severe injury or infection; or
- if you are allergic to mouse, hamster, or pork proteins
FDA pregnancy category C. Coagulation factor VIIa may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether coagulation factor VIIa passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
NovoSeven Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- fever
- any bleeding that will not stop
- feeling like you might pass out
- urinating less than usual or not at all
- sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance; or
- pain or swelling in one or both legs
Less serious side effects may include:
- headache
- joint pain
- nausea, vomiting
- swelling
- mild itching or rash; or
- pain, redness, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
NovoSeven Interactions
What other drugs affect NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially medications used to treat severe bleeding episodes, such as:
- aminocaproic acid (Amicar); or
- tranexamic acid (Cyklokapron)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with coagulation factor VIIa. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are using this medication.
NovoSeven Dosage
How should I take NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Coagulation factor VIIa is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection. You may be shown how to use your medicine at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of needles, IV tubing, and other items used in giving the medicine.
You may need to mix coagulation factor VIIa with a liquid (diluent) before using it. If you are using the injections at home, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medication. Do not use the medication if it has changed colors or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have a bleeding disorder in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know about your condition.
NovoSeven should be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Avoid exposing the medication to sunlight.
NovoSeven RT may be stored at cool room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
After mixing NovoSeven RT with a diluent, you may keep it at room temperature or in the refrigerator and use it within 3 hours. Do not freeze or store the mixture in a syringe.
What happens if I overdose on NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
An overdose of coagulation factor VIIa is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.
What happens if I miss a dose of NovoSeven (Coagulation Factor Vi Ia)?
Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of this medication.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com